The Habs were well represented in Game 1 of the 2013 Subway Super Series
between Team Russia and Team QMJHL. A trio of Montreal prospects were in
action for the QMJHL and they made their presence felt. Here is a review
of the how the Habs’ prospects fared as well as some of the more prominent
Quebec League players.
Montreal Prospects
Zach Fucale: The last time I saw him, he was scuffling. He was
dropping to the butterfly too early and too frequently while his lack of
confidence also affected his puck handling. Neither of those were issues
in this one. Neither of the goals he allowed were softies and he looked a
lot more calm in the net which helped him make the saves he needed to make.
It wasn’t a flashy performance by any means but a quality effort nonetheless.
Stats: 19 saves on 21 shots, 2.00 GAA, .905 SV%
Jeremy Gregoire: It doesn’t take long to see why he’s a successful
scorer in the ‘Q’ this season. He gets to the right place at the right
time and isn’t afraid to get to the dirty areas. Those traits will help a
player find success at any level. He threw a rather strong body check
early in the game and that level of feistiness continued throughout.
Stats: 0 points, even rating, 0 PIMS
Line: 2nd line RW with Emile Poirier and Frederik Gauthier
Charles Hudon: The best way to describe his game was that he was
poised. When
the puck was on his stick, he wasn’t afraid to hold on to it to make the right
play. When the QMJHL was in the offensive zone, he knew exactly where to
go, regardless of whether he was on the wing or quarterbacking the powerplay
from the blueline. I thought he was a little lackadaisical a couple of
times on the back check but that’s a very small blemish on a very nice
performance. He certainly wasn’t out of place on the top line.
Stats: 2 goals, 1 assist, +3 rating, 0 PIMS; also named QMJHL’s Player
of the Game
Line: 1st line LW with Jonathan Drouin and Anthony Mantha
Other QMJHL Prospects
Jonathan Drouin (TB, 1st round, 2013): It’s pretty easy to tell that
he’s at a level of his own in junior. He did some things with the puck
that no other player likely could. Unfortunately, he also did some things
that others know enough not to try. He over-stickhandled the puck far too
often; he may develop some bad habits if he keeps that up throughout the year.
That said, he will be the go-to guy for Team Canada at the WJC’s and he’s more
than capable of shouldering the load.
Dillon Fournier (CHI, 2nd round, 2012): For me, he was the QMJHL’s
best all-around blueliner. The younger brother of Montreal prospect Stefan
Fournier displayed good mobility and poise while being their most dangerous
offensive defenceman.
Felix Girard (NSH, 4th round, 2013): Like Gregoire, he’s a hard
working/energy player that you have to root for. He’s undersized but
feisty and that served him quite well as he got under the skin of the Russians
on a few occasions.
Anthony Mantha (DET, 1st round, 2013): For a player his size, his
skill level is quite impressive; it’s no fluke that he’s a top scorer in the
Quebec league. He could stand to play with more of an edge and if he can
do that, the Wings will have themselves a solid prospect down the road.
Samuel Morin (PHI, 1st round, 2013): There’s lots to like about his
game. He makes smart reads, has good awareness in all zones, and isn’t
afraid to jump into the play when warranted. That said, he is very slow.
His skating will need a lot of work as right now, Douglas Murray wouldn’t look
out of place in a head-to-head race.
The QMJHL will look to sweep their end of the Super Series on Wednesday as
they host Russia in Sherbrooke. Both Hudon and Gregoire are likely to
play, however, Fucale will be dressed as the backup goalie.